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  • Post category:Survival Gear / Tactical Gear
  • Post last modified:April 15, 2023
  • Post published:January 14, 2021

Self-defense is a very important part of our safety. That’s why people buy firearms, practice karate and sambo, and learn how to fight.

Best Expandable Baton - Editor's Choice

If you don’t have enough time or opportunities to become a street fighter or you just want to be sure you can put up a fight when it’s needed, you should use one of the most ancient weapons — the baton. This is a close-combat weapon that can help you defend yourself and your loved ones. Today, the baton is not just a big branch, it’s a well-designed weapon. There is a great variety of expandable or telescopic batons on the market. And so the question is how to pick the best one? Look at this top 16 to figure out what you should buy.

TOP-16 Expandable Baton

ImageProductBrand
ASP Sentry Tactical BatonASPBUY
ASP Talon BatonASPBUY
ASP F21 Tactical Batons Friction Loc 21" BatonASPBUY
ASP P16 Collapsible Baton w/ Snap Loc ClipASPBUY
Smith & Wesson S.w.a.t. Lite 24inch Collapsible BatonSmith & WessonBUY
Fury Straight Expandable Steel Police Baton UpFury StraightBUY
PSPI NS16R Expandable BatonPSPIBUY
Smith & Wesson Heat Treated Collapsible BatonSmith & WessonBUY
Rothco Expandable Baton With SheathRothcoBUY
UZI Expandable BatonUZIBUY
Monadnock Autolock Expandable Batons - Positive LockMonadnockBUY
Monadnock Detective Classic Friction Lock Black Chrome Expandable BatonMonadnockBUY
Monadnock Autolock X3 Expandable BatonMonadnockBUY
Monadnock Control Device Expandable Side-handle BatonMonadnockBUY
PS Products Expandable BatonPS ProductsBUY
Master USA PV-246 Telescopic BatonMaster USABUY

#1 ASP Sentry Tactical Baton

ASP Sentry Tactical Baton

The first model is something in between — it’s not the best but it’s not bad either. So the price is also average. This tactical baton is designed for professional use, which means it has great quality. 4130 high carbon steel shafts altogether with a nickel finish ensure the best performance at a tensile strength of 201,000 PSI. Thanks to the Santoprene handle that is undercoated with zinc, the grip is pretty strong, which is also an advantage. In addition to this, the cap and base retaining clip are aluminum, so the durability is good. The baton is weather-resistant and ready to be used under various extreme conditions.

Pros:
  • High-quality materials
  • Santoprene handle provides good grip
  • Durable
  • Weather resistance
  • Perfect grip
  • Carbon steel
  • Tactical design
  • Reasonable price
  • Nickel finish
  • Can be used in extreme condition;
  • Matte texture.
Cons:
  • The price is a little high

#2 ASP Talon Baton

ASP Talon Baton

A better and more expensive model features an innovative design with two opposite discs into an internal groove, which makes the operation smoother and simpler. Plus, the baton is pretty easy to use, thanks to the push-button construction. The talon locking mechanism also works great, securely locking all sections. The model is lightweight, durable, and stable. This is a perfect choice to guard yourself if you can afford it.

Video review

Pros:
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Durable
  • Push-button design
  • Innovative mechanism
  • Secure, stable locking
Cons:
  • Price

#3 ASP F21 Tactical Batons Friction Loc 21″ Baton

ASP F21 Tactical Batons Friction Loc 21" Baton

This is a very popular model that is used by law enforcement agencies, which is a great sign of quality. The baton is made of solid material and provides decent parameters to satisfy all your needs. The overall length of this model is 21 inches, which is bigger than other competitors. Another great advantage that you will enjoy is that this baton is pretty compact and easy to carry.

Video review

Pros:
  • Compact, comfortable design
  • Great impact
  • Durability
  • Size
  • Premium materials and highest quality
  • Easy to control
  • Wave master material
  • Practical
Cons:
  • Price

#4 ASP P16 Collapsible Baton w/ Snap Loc Clip

ASP P16 Collapsible Baton w/ Snap Loc Clip

If you need something more discreet, you will like this model that is only 6.5 inches when collapsed. Despite the small size, it can do a lot of damage and it’s also very convenient to use. 4140 high carbon steel striking surface and 7075 T6 aluminum middle shaft make the baton durable and strong. Thanks to tiny spiral grooves, fine line knurling, and crosstec knurling, the grip is firm, and you won’t ever feel uncomfortable. This model will suit those who don’t want to be revealed.

ASP Collapsible baton is comfortable enough to fit even in a pocket and can be used by officers, investigators, and administrators. The impact surface is made of steel and protects against damaging impacts. There is also a convenient clip that allows you to easily attach the baton to a belt.

Video review

Pros:
  • Compact, comfortable design
  • Durable, high-quality materials
  • Firm grip
  • Removable snap loc clip
  • Friction lock
  • TOP-quality steel
  • O-ring
  • Hardly coated
  • Clip
  • Belt
  • Can warn on the waist
Cons:
  • No other functions

#5 Smith & Wesson S.w.a.t. Lite 24inch Collapsible Baton

Smith & Wesson S.w.a.t. Lite 24inch Collapsible Baton

Let’s take a look at some middle-budget models. This rather big baton has a 24-inch blade made of 7076 T6 aluminum, which ensures Tensile Strength of 2653.3 lbf and Bending Strength of 1985.7 lbf. Besides, it’s convenient to use the baton, thanks to the aluminum soft foam grip.

Pros:
  • Price
  • Easy to use
  • Nice tensile and bending strength
  • Firm grips
Cons:
  • Durability
  • Low on features

#6 Fury Straight Expandable Steel Police Baton Up

Fury Straight Expandable Steel Police Baton Up

The next model is a very cheap, standard baton with a nylon sheath. This weapon is simple and pretty durable, which means you can use it for a long time without any complications. The baton doesn’t stand out from other models, but if you are looking for an inexpensive variant, it’s better to buy this one. The baton is equipped with a soft handle and a black anti-corrosion coating. Striking a blow is

Pros:
  • Price
  • Durability
  • Easy to use
  • Can be used in extreme conditions
  • Reliable
  • Steel
Cons:
  • Low on features
  • Not-allowed by local laws.

#7 PSPI NS16R Expandable Baton

PSPI NS16R Expandable Baton

If you think there are no cheaper models on the market, you are wrong. Take a closer look at this 16-inch steel baton with a padded handle. This is another example of simplicity and quality. In addition to this, the device is extremely easy to use: you can easily open it by flicking your wrist. The structure has a sliding shape that allows easy access. The rubber grip makes it easy to hold the device in your hand. Also, together with the set, loops are delivered to fasten the baton on a belt or shoulder. The handle itself is made in a soft shape which makes it easy to carry.

Pros:
  • Price
  • Easy to use
  • Durability
  • Nylon holster
  • Wrist-adapted
  • Made from solid steel
  • 3 available sizes
Cons:
  • Low on features

#8 Smith & Wesson Heat Treated Collapsible Baton

Smith & Wesson Heat Treated Collapsible Baton

One step higher, there is a good baton designed by a popular and very reputable brand Smith&Wesson. This is a 21-inch seamless alloy steel baton with a thermal-proof handle made of elastomer polyester that provides you with a no-slip grip. Easy to open, stable lock. Keep the baton near with the help of a belt loop to be safe all the time.

Pros:
  • Price
  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • No-slip, firm grip
  • High-quality steel
  • Holster
  • Belt loop
Cons:
  • Impact

#9 Rothco Expandable Baton With Sheath

Rothco Expandable Baton With Sheath

This model is also not outstanding. It’s good because it’s made for the law enforcement professional. This is the main reason why it’s cheap, durable, and efficient. The baton is made of steel and it has a nylon sheath. This is a great solution for anyone. If you are not looking for a specific item, then you can purchase this model and forget about safety issues.

Pros:
  • Price
  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • Nylon sheath
Cons:
  • No other features

#10 UZI Expandable Baton

UZI Expandable Baton

What can you tell about this model? Nothing much because it looks like an ordinary police baton. Despite this model is not something special, the baton really worth being mentioned. It comes in 3 sizes: 16, 21, and 26 inches. Additionally, you get pretty convenient UZI box. You won’t be disappointed if you buy this model.

Pros:
  • Price
  • Durability
  • UZI box
  • Easy to use
Cons:
  • Low on features

#11 Monadnock Autolock Expandable Batons – Positive Lock

Monadnock Autolock Expandable Batons - Positive Lock

Low-priced models are boring, so let’s go back and review something from a high-budget segment. What comes to particularly this model, it’s concentrated on the locking mechanism. The locking technology used by the baton is a combination of friction lock and positive lock. You can close this baton as easily as you can open it. Besides, it’s just an amazing baton made of high-quality, solid materials. Cam bearing and forced-locking mechanism were used in the structure of the baton, which will help to quickly respond to the situation and calculate the force of the blow. The urethane material removes sharp edges and causes fewer injuries. This baton model was developed in California.

Video review

Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Innovative locking mechanism
  • Durable
  • Impact
  • Forced-locking technology
  • Made in California
  • Replacement options
  • Good for hard-surface
  • Unique design
  • Push-button
  • Hard surface
  • Auto-lock button
  • Perfect for police
Cons:
  • Price

#12 Monadnock Detective Classic Friction Lock Black Chrome Expandable Baton

Monadnock Detective Classic Friction Lock Black Chrome Expandable Baton

The next model is designed by the same brand. Cold-drawn 4130 aircraft seamless alloy steel tubing that is used to construct these batons. Like the previous model, this one also offers advanced locking, based on tight locking joints. Choose this model to ensure fast and simple use.

Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Improved locking mechanism
  • Durable
  • Impact
Cons:
  • Price

#13 Monadnock Autolock X3 Expandable Baton

Monadnock Autolock X3 Expandable Baton

The third representative of Monadnock focuses on quality and locking features. This model uses only positive locking technology. However, you can easily close the baton with a push of a button. Plus, the variety of grips and tips allow you to customize this weapon for your needs.

Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Positive locking mechanism
  • Durable
  • Impact
Cons:
  • Price

#14 Monadnock Control Device Expandable Side-handle Baton

Monadnock Control Device Expandable Side-handle Baton

The last model by this manufacturer has an outstanding feature — a side handle. This baton is great for blocking, which is not that easy for other competitors. Other characteristics are quite the same. You can still use this baton with comfort. Thanks to the Trumbull stop, retention is much faster now.

Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Faster retention
  • Side handle
  • Durable
  • Impact
Cons:
  • Price

#15 PS Products Expandable Baton

PS Products Expandable Baton

But if you like cheap models more, then you should also get to know about this one. It’s very cheap but durable. A great number of officers use this baton because it’s made of superior materials and it would not let you down.

Pros:
  • Price
  • Durability
  • Easy to use
Cons:
  • Low on features

#BONUS: Master USA PV-246 Telescopic Baton

Master USA PV-246 Telescopic Baton

And the last but not the least model is designed by Master USA. This telescopic baton comes in black and green colors and provides you with a firm grip, strong construction, and simple use. The price is rather reasonable, but a little higher, compared to the previous model on the list.

Pros:
  • Price
  • Durability
  • Easy to use
Cons:
  • Low on features

FAQ

Are expandable batons effective?
Yes, this is one of the most effective self-defense weapons. They are most effective in situations where the weapon is not allowed.
In cases where firearms or pistols cannot be used, a police baton can solve the problem. With a smooth tip, it only inflicts minor bruises to stop a criminal or fight.
Are expandable batons good for self-defense?
Yes. But it also depends on the situation. You can’t do a lot with a baton against firearms.
Can you legally carry a collapsible baton?
It’s a non-lethal weapon, so you can carry it with you. But it depends on the state you are living in and the way you carry your baton: open or concealed.
In what states are expandable batons illegal?
California, Connecticut, Delaware (concealed), Florida (concealed), Hawaii, Kansas (concealed), Kentucky (concealed), Montana (concealed), Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota (concealed), Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin (concealed).
What is the best length for a baton?
It’s up to you to decide which one is more suitable for you because it’s better to have a baton in a tough situation, no matter what size it is. However, a typical length is 21 inches.
What kind of batons does police use?
The police mostly use expandable batons of middle sizes.
Is a 16-inch baton effective?
Yes, and they are easier to carry.

Conclusion

If you want to briefly look through the article, here is a helping hand for you.

The best cheap models:

The best expensive models:

Olena Dubose
Olena Dubose
Traveler & Camping Expert
I was born in a family of experienced travelers and used to spend all my school breaks and long weekends camping and hiking around the most admirable places in Canada and sometimes United States. My dad used to be a soldier and always taught me how to survive during unpredictable circumstances. Like every other kid, I wasn’t really interested in my parents' extreme lifestyle when I was little, but I can’t imagine my life now without regular outdoor trips and extreme sports.

Thanks to my intense childhood and a few decades of experience I can now choose the best equipment for any adventure waiting for me to dive in. And after all, I have been through, I want to share my knowledge so more people could join an enjoyable and breathtaking trip to discovering magical nature around us. Forget about five-star hotels and treat yourself with thousands more in a cozy camping trip!

Read more about our team of expert authors.

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